If you have suddenly felt a brief and intense apprehension or fear for no apparent reason, then you probably have just experienced a period of panic attack. Symptoms often reported by panic attack sufferers are sense of impending doom, feeling dizzy, experiencing a heart attack or difficulty of breathing. Treatment plan for these attacks include medicines to control the symptoms, reduce their occurrence and severity, and diminish the fear and terror associated with having another unwanted episode. Medicines prescribed to treat panic attacks include anxiolytics and antidepressant drugs.
The most frequently used anxiolytic drug is Benzodiazepine. Examples are Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium. They prevent anxiety and are less likely to promote physical dependence than many of the other hypnotics or sedatives do. Medications in this class act in the limbic system, the system that control our emotions, and reduce the felt nervous tension. Side effects of these drugs include dizziness, drowsiness, and balance and muscle coordination problems. Patients who receive parenteral benzodiazepines should be maintained on bed for a period of at least three hours and be prevented from operating a motor vehicle to ensure safety. If necessary, flumazenil, the benzodiazepine antidote, should be used for treatment of overdose.
Antidepressant drugs are also effective for the treatment of panic attack disorders. However, takes at least 2 to 3 weeks before they achieve the initial effect and 2 to 4 weeks to achieve therapeutic effect. They come in three groups: tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
TCAs such as Tofranil, Elavil, and Anafranil, have sedative effects that make them more effective in those whose depression is characterized by anxiety and sleep disturbances. Use of TCAs is contraindicated for those using MAOIs because of potential adverse reactions. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and weight gain.
MAOIs like Nardil, Marplan, and Parnate are the earliest class of antidepressants that causes hypertensive crisis when given with TCAs and tyramine-rich food found in preserved, fermented and processed food. It is imperative that blood pressure be monitored regularly so that a slow increase in dosage may be started to prevent hypotension.
SSRIs are the newest antidepressant drugs that relieve anxiety by increasing the amount of active serotonin in the brain. An increase in the level of serotonin is believed to reduce depression. SSRIs include, Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. Side effects include sexual dysfunction, headache, dry mouth, insomnia, and drowsiness.
Other treatments like psychotherapy may be used in conjunction with medications to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Since, anxiety vary among individuals, it is recommended that treatment plans be individualized to better meet the needs of the each patient. Individuals who are experiencing panic attacks must consult a doctor before taking any form of medication and other form of treatment.
